'Support staff available during union dispute'

Extra qualified staff are available to support schools if needed during the continued dispute with three teaching unions.

That's according to Education, Sport & Culture Minister, Dr Alex Allinson MHK, who was asked to provide a statement on the matter in Tynwald this week.

Currently, members of the NASUWT, NAHT and ASCL unions are taking action short of a strike over a long-running disagreement with the DESC over pay and conditions.

Dr Allinson has also told Tynwald members his department is working hard to enable an early meeting with the organisations to try and resolve the issue.